BAS-Teacher Education
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education (BAST) program is designed to enable applicants with an associate’s degree or higher to combine their lower-division coursework with upper-division coursework. This degree is designed with academic rigor, enabling graduates to apply directly to Master level programs throughout the state. Students may qualify for one of the alternative routes for teacher certification.
Classes are offered in the late afternoon at Grays Harbor College in Aberdeen, Washington, with a two-year track. The afternoon program was developed to meet the employment needs of those currently working in the classroom without a teacher credential. Instruction is a combination of hybrid and in-person on the GHC Aberdeen Campus.
This program prepares teachers to construct and facilitate culturally responsive learning experiences that simultaneously develop English language proficiencies and discipline-specific knowledge and advocate for English Language Learners (ELL) within the local school and community.
The BAST curriculum includes core courses in theory as well as practical teaching. This curriculum has been approved by the Washington State Professional Educators Standards Board and is listed by OSPI as a state-approved teacher preparation program. Practical experience is critical; students will complete both a practicum and a student teaching sequence locally to ensure they are ready to teach.
BAST Program Application Requirements
Admission to the BAST program is merit-based. Meeting the minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admissions, as the number of qualified applicants may exceed the number of enrollment spaces. Admission applications open in the winter quarter of each year for entrance the following fall.
In order to be placed into the admissions pool, applicants must complete and submit all the following requirements:
- Completed BAST program application
- Resume
- Three (3) current letters of recommendation
- Transcripts from all college-level coursework
- Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) clearance ($12 fee)
While not required, successful completion of SPAN& 123 Spanish III or the ability to demonstrate comparable equivalence by a GHC exam is strongly recommended, given the demographics in our area school districts. All other factors being equal, preference will be given to applicants who meet this qualification.
Degree Requirements
An earned associate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
The Early Childhood Education, AAS or Associate in Arts - Bridge to Native Pathways from Grays Harbor College are recommended.
Program Prerequisites
Prerequisites may be taken in the two-year degree prior to the bachelor’s program.
Schedule
Total BAST courses/all quarters: 101 credits
*Note: Program-required general education courses not previously completed as part of the associate degree are not included in these 101 credits.
Total BAST courses/all quarters: 101 credits
Fall Quarter - Year 1
BAST 301 Practicum I 2 credits
BAST 345 ELA Methods 5 credits
BAST 380 Understanding Learning 5 credits
BAST 430 Social/Legal Foundations 5 credits
Winter Quarter - Year 1
BAST 302 Practicum II 2 credits
BAST 355 Reading Methods 5 credits
BAST 370 Language and Culture 5 credits
BAST 421 Classroom Management 5 credits
Spring Quarter - Year 1
BAST 303 Practicum III 2 credits
BAST 360 Assessment for Learning 5 credits
BAST 371 Advanced Language and Literacy 5 credits
BAST 420 Planning Instruction 5 credits
Fall Quarter - Year 2
BAST 325 Math Methods 5 credits
BAST 326 Science Methods 5 credits
BAST 365 Social Studies Methods 5 credits
BAST 496 Student Teaching I 3 credits
Winter Quarter - Year 2
BAST 330 Teaching with Technology 2 credits
BAST 401 Special Education Methods 4 credits
BAST 497 Student Teaching II 10 credits
Spring Quarter - Year 2
BAST 335 Methods for Teaching Arts 5 credits
BAST 372 Professional Leadership and Advocacy 5 credits
BAST 498 Student Teaching III 5 credits
BAST 499 Capstone 1 credits
In addition to BAS-TE courses, applicants seeking Washington State residency teacher certification must complete the following:
- Passing score of National Evaluation Series (NES) tests 102 and 103 Elementary Education subtests 1 & 2. These are content knowledge assessments required prior to being certified to teach in a particular subject area.
- Successful completion of required clinical hours.
Alternative Routes to BAST
Alternate Route 1 is intended for employed classified instructional staff with transferrable AA Degrees seeking certification with an endorsement in ELL. To enter the alternative route program, applicants will need five years of experience as a para-educator.
Alternate Route 2 is intended for employed classified instructional staff with Baccalaureate Degrees seeking certification with endorsements in a locally determined shortage area (ELL). To enter the alternative route program, applicants will need five years of experience as a para-educator.
Alternate Route 3 is intended for individuals with Baccalaureate Degrees seeking certification. Priority will be given to those seeking endorsements in a locally determined shortage area (ELL).
Prior to admission into the alternate route BAST Program, route 1 and 2 candidates must:
- Submit the required BAST Application materials
- Be employed with a district at the time of application
- Pass a background check
- Complete an interview with program staff
- Be recommended by school district personnel
- Submit letters of reference to ensure candidates have the dispositions needed for teaching
Prior to admission into the alternate route BAST Program, route 3 candidates must:
- Submit the required BAST Application materials
- Be employed with a district at the time of application
- Pass a background check
- Complete an interview with program staff
- Provide reference letters from employers (current or previous) that demonstrate successful experience with students or children.
Upon entry to the program, alternate route BAST Program, all alternate route candidates must:
- Achieve passing scores on WEST-B
- Achieve passing scores on WEST-E (ELL)
- Achieve passing scores on NES 102 & 103.
Alternate Route 3 candidates must participate in the required Summer Teacher Academy at GHC.
Alternate Route Candidates have the opportunity for Prior Learning Assessment to award credit for prior learning and experience.
Return to: